Statement by the Foreign Minister of Armenia and answers to journalists' questions during the joint press conference with the Foreign Minister of Russia
21 January, 2025Dear Mr. Lavrov,
Dear colleagues,
First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Lavrov for organizing this visit and for the traditional hospitality. I must say that preparations for this visit have been ongoing for almost three months, but it was postponed several times due to technical reasons, nonetheless, we have finally managed to meet. Mr. Lavrov, I will be honored and gladly look forward to welcoming you in Yerevan.
I would like to note that today’s meeting took place in a sincere and constructive atmosphere. The range of issues discussed was quite comprehensive and diverse. We touched upon issues on bilateral cooperation and, of course, the topic of peace in the South Caucasus.
In the context of developing bilateral relations, we emphasized the importance of maintaining the intensity of political dialogue at all levels, including through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, along with continuing mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectoral areas. We noted the positive trend in the development of Armenian-Russian dialogue in the humanitarian sphere. As you mentioned, Mr. Lavrov, among other events this year, Armenian culture days are planned to be held in Russia.
While highlighting the need to continue inter-MFA consultations, we also discussed the current situation in the media space and ways to create a more favorable information environment.
An important component of our cooperation is, of course, the economy. Here the numbers speak for themselves. As you know, in December the meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation took place. For Armenia, trade and economic cooperation, including within the framework of the EAEU, remains one of the key factors contributing to economic growth and the realization of foreign trade potential. In this context, for example, I would like to highlight the granting of observer status to the Islamic Republic of Iran in the EAEU last year, specifically under the chairmanship of the Republic of Armenia.
Dear colleagues,
Armenia, located at a unique crossroads, can make a significant contribution to the development of interregional connectivity, helping to enhance the logistical attractiveness of the region. This is precisely the goal of the "Crossroads of Peace" project, developed and presented by the Government of the Republic of Armenia. The project is based on respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of all states, as well as equality and reciprocity. I am pleased to emphasize that this project has received positive feedback from a number of international organizations and countries, including Russia.
We also touched upon the issues of peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
I would like to emphasize that despite all the difficulties and challenges along this path, Armenia continues to make sincere efforts to achieve long-term and lasting peace, which, as we see it, is in line with the interests of all the countries in our region.
Dear colleagues,
In conclusion, I would like to once again thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr. Lavrov, for the thorough exchange of views, expressing the hope that today’s discussions will serve to strengthen mutual understanding and continue further mutually beneficial cooperation on key priorities.
Answers to questions from media
Question (rbc.ru): Mr. Mirzoyan, the Government of Armenia has approved a draft law regarding accession to the European Union, which is currently under parliamentary consideration. What timeline does the Government foresee for accession of Armenia to the European Union, and how does your Government plan to combine memberships in the European Union and the EAEU?
Answer (Ararat Mirzoyan): Thank you for the question. First of all, I believe this draft law is a public document, and you can review it if you haven’t already done so. At this stage, it does not include any specific timelines or mechanisms. I would like to remind you that this initiative was driven by civil society. Various organizations have gathered the required 50,000 signatures, as stipulated by the Constitution of Armenia. As a result, this initiative has automatically turned into a draft law and will be presented for a vote in Parliament. The Government, as you correctly noted, has approved the draft law, and it could be anticipated that the ruling majority will vote in favor of it. That’s all for now regarding the law, as it seems to me. What comes next, we’ll figure out later. This law doesn’t imply anything else.
There was also a second component to the question - regarding EU membership and potential contradictions. Both theorists and practitioners have acknowledged the existence of such contradictions. It is not for me to judge, and I cannot come up with anything new on this matter. If the issue arises in such a context, it will likely need to be examined further.
Question (NEWS.ru): Mr. Mirzoyan, Armenia remains Russia's ally within the CSTO. Last week, Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership agreement. Will the border between Armenia and Iran now become calmer and safer, since both countries are now Moscow's allies? And the second question: was the recent withdrawal of Russian border guards from the checkpoints on the border between Iran and Armenia discussed during your negotiations? Thank you.
Answer (Ararat Mirzoyan): I can't hide my surprise. To be honest, the border between Armenia and Iran has always been very calm, and free as well. There have never been any problems there, so I can't understand how this border can become calmer. It will remain calm!
As for CSTO membership, you know, we have very serious, strongest bilateral treaties with Russia. We are truly allies. We have very good neighborly and partnership relations with Iran. Now the Russian Federation is developing a very good partnership with Iran. I think that all our countries will benefit from this cooperation.
As for the Russian border guards, I would like to remind you that from the very first day of Armenia’s independence, at our request, Russian border guards were temporarily involved in ensuring security on the border between Armenia and Iran, and after some time we thanked, of course, the Russian side and the relevant Russian service for such a long service on our border and have already informed that this section of our border can henceforth be guarded by our forces. There is no source for any major political scandal here either.